Adrien B. Gagnon

WEBSTERVILLE - Adrien B. Gagnon took his final journey on April 12, 2015, which also happens to be the birthday of his wife, Solange, whom he has now joined in heaven.

He lost his hard-fought battle with complications from COPD with his family by his side. The past year proved extremely trying for him with the presence of several ailments, and he fought so hard and was not leaving his family without a fight. What a trouper he proved to be, and you could see his determination right up to his last breath. His family provided unconditional care, comfort and support and was able to keep him in the comforts of his home.

Born on Jan. 1, 1936, in Compton, Quebec, Adrien was one of 11 children of Alfred and Medora (Fontaine) Gagnon.

On July 11, 1959, he married Solange A. Ouimette who passed away on Feb. 8, 2013. In 1960, they moved from Canada to the Barre, Vermont, area. They later moved to their present home in Websterville, Vermont, in 1969.

Adrien was previously employed by Williams Motor Transfer, Granite Industries of Vermont, and Burrell Roofing Co., where he retired after 47 years. He was a dedicated employee who thought of the Burrells as his second family.

His greatest achievement was his family of which provided him with much pride and joy.

In earlier years, Adrien loved working in the woods and in particular a camp with his brother Nil in Williamstown. They loved boiling maple syrup. The experience ended up providing minimal syrup and an abundance of wonderful memories. He also loved tinkering on anything that had a small motor. In particular, he found a hobby in old tractors and had many of them throughout the years. He could often be seen driving his grandchildren and great-grandsons on the tractor up and down Bolster Road with the kids tooting the horn endlessly.

Survivors include his four daughters: S. Francine Beede and her husband, Charles "Chuck," of Williamstown, Vermont; Colette Gagnon and her companion, Claude Ayotte, of Lac de Plage, Quebec; Nancy Dutil and her husband, Mike, of Barre, Vermont; and Tina Morrison and her husband, Kevin, of Barnet, Vermont. He also leaves his precious grandchildren: Rachel Laggner and her husband, Daniel, of Williamstown, Vermont; Renee Beede and her fiance, Justin Holbrook, of Websterville, Vermont, Danielle Thompson and her companion, David Ballenger, of Montpelier, Vermont, Lizette Dutil, of Barre, Vermont, and Aaron Morrison and Ally Morrison, of Barnet, Vermont. In addition, there are five great-grandsons: Riley and Colby Laggner, Donovan and Jonathan Sicard, and Ryan Holbrook. Of course there is his beloved pug Bud, who provided him endless companionship and protection during his struggles of the last year.

He also leaves behind his brothers Nil (Yvette) Gagnon, of Elmore, Vermont, and Bertrand Gagnon and Laurier Gagnon, of Coaticook, Quebec; his sisters Bernadette Gadbois (Bob Welch), of Plattsburgh, New York, Lorraine Isabelle, of Montpelier, Vermont, Fernande Lehoux, Marie-Marte Lafond and Louisette Gagnon, of Coaticook, Quebec; his in-laws Roger and Lucille Lafond, of Manchester, New Hampshire, Rachel and Theresa Ouimette, Albert Ouimette, Antoinette Ouimette, Theresa Gagnon, and Edith Ouimette, of Willimantic, Connecticut, Carole Ouimette, of Virginia, and Arthur Bissonnette, of Coaticook, Quebec. Lastly, Mon Oncle Marlo (as he was often called), leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Adrien was liked by everyone he encountered. Known to many as Fred or Frenchie, he was often just "one of the boys" regardless of their age.

Adrien was predeceased by his wife; his parents; his brother Armand Gagnon; his sister Muriel Lavoie; his in-laws Conrad Gadbois, Andre Ouimette, Leonard Ouimette, Laurent Ouimette, Real Lavoie, Leo Lafond, Maurice Lehoux, Martial Ouimette, Lucien and Therese Ouimette, Arthur Isabelle, Anita Gagnon, Georgette Dubriel, Hector and Cecile Roy, and Marie-Jeanne Bissonnette.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful care and support provided by Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice. Also, the staff of Central Vermont Medical Center who have all been phenomenal in providing excellent care throughout the years. Additional gratitude to Dr. Farm, Dr. Valentine and the entire staff of the oncology department for guiding him through his most recent hurdle. Lastly, Dr. Robert Robinson ("Doc," as he was referred to) and his staff, whose support provided to both Adrien and Solange during the years is beyond words. All of these professionals have been a factor in giving Adrien peace and tranquility during his final days. He is now onto his final journey to reunite with his wife, Solange. Both of them have left behind many tears of sadness but most importantly, so many everlasting wonderful memories that will continue to be passed down through the generations.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer St., Barre, Vermont. There are no calling hours. Entombment will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre, Vermont. For a memorial guest book visit www.hookerwhitcomb.com.